During the 1790s, Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson, the creator of the Declaration of Independence and President George Washington's secretary of state. In this letter Benjamin expresses his negative views on slavery. He exposes the injustices of slavery and shares other people's experiences and how slavery affected them as well as himself. He uses rhetorical appeals to support his argument by connecting to readers who have already experienced slavery and appealing to their emotions. In writing this letter, Benjamin uses ethos, pathos, and repetition to make his case against slavery. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayBanneker uses ethics to establish credibility and trust with the audience. He does this by referencing the Declaration of Independence and using his own words against the idea of ​​slavery. He says, "All men are created equal" and "that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," which shows that Banneker is knowledgeable and can be trusted. He also talks about Job in the Bible and is able to connect him to the hardships that African Americans faced during slavery. Banneker also uses pathos through emotional diction to create sympathy in readers. This is demonstrated when he speaks of “groaning captivity” and “cruel oppression.” By acknowledging the condition of slavery, he is able to show the hardships of slavery and make readers sympathize with him. He makes it more personalized to make readers pity him even more by using pronouns like “his” in “his brothers”. He continues to say that violence has become part of his daily life. This also helps keep readers engaged while reading the letter. He tries to make Jefferson understand that there is a need for change when it comes to slavery. Banneker uses repetition to appeal to Jefferson with respect and a sense of an authority figure. Banneker opens his letters with “sir” and repeats this continuously throughout the letter. This shows that even though he doesn't agree with Jefferson's ideals on slavery, it shows that he has respect for him. He believes that if he repeats "sir" enough, Jefferson will realize his mistakes. He uses “sir” to reason with Jefferson and tries to make him listen to his opinions. By using “sir” he is showing Jefferson that even if you have treated African Americans wrong, I will still treat you with respect and be the better person. It also makes it difficult for Jefferson to become angry with these new ideals if he is continually treated and respected throughout the letter. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Customize EssayBanneker uses pathos, ethos, and repetition to make his case and convince Jefferson that slavery is wrong. Using his credibility through the use of historical documents, he is able to show readers that he is educated and able to support his fellow African Americans in freeing them from slavery. He is able to make readers sympathize with others and convince them and, finally, perhaps even with Jefferson. Practical Examples for Benjamin Banneker Essays The Use of Ethics in Benjamin Banneker's Letter Explore how Benjamin Banneker uses ethics in his letter to Thomas Jefferson to establish credibility and confidence in his anti-slavery argument, using references to historical documents and biblical references. Pathos and emotional appeals in Banneker's letter Analyze the emotional impact of Banneker's use of pathos, including.